Hawkin’s Forge reflects the original use of the location before it became a pub. The forge occupied this site before 1810 when Ann, widow of James Hawkins, a blacksmith, sold the lease to William Finch, victualler, of the Half Moon, Putney.

Having added three houses by 1831, Finch acquired the freehold in 1836. A beer shop was being run in the end house by 1846, when Finch’s son Thomas rebuilt it with one of the adjoining houses as an inn.

The inn itself was first known as the Universe, but by 1849 had become the Railway Tavern.

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